The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of all the gospels. It can be read in about two hours. As such, it is fast paced, like an action movie. You’ll see the word immediately used 27 times in Mark. The underlying word in Greek is used another 15 times but translated differently. Pay attention to the text and how quickly things move, the author of Mark doesn’t waste any time. Right off the bat he tells you that he believes Jesus is the Son of God. He also doesn’t mess around with a birth narrative, instead, he starts with Jesus’ baptism and focuses on his ministry.
The first part of the story is about Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. This covers chapters 1– 8. The middle of the Gospel, the Transfiguration in chapter 9, marks the turn of the story to Jesus’ movement to Jerusalem and the cross.
As you read, take note of what people say about Jesus. Who welcomes him? Who challenges him and why? What themes do you see throughout the Gospel.? What is the author of Mark trying to tell us about who Jesus is and why he is important?
This is my favorite Gospel. In this text, Jesus is very human. He jokes around. He gets frustrated, even angry. He feels compassion and sorrow. He feels pain and doubt. And through it all, he reveals to us who God is.
Whether you are looking forward to or dreading this journey through the Gospel of Mark for the next 40 days, I pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in you as you do and that your life will never be the same afterwards.
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